OCS Public IM Just Got Easier
Microsoft unveils online PIC provisioning tool
By Alex Lewis on Mon, 07/20/09 - 1:57pm.Provisioning Public IM, PIC, for OCS used to be an administrative nightmare. While the server configuration was simple the paperwork and manual process made it a long and painful process. It usually took 2-3 weeks making it impossible for people wanting to try it out in a lab or proof of concept scenario.
Hopefully all that has changed. I haven't had an opportunity to try it yet but the new automated process looks promising. ...you know, except for those annoying Windows Live/Passport errors. The new provisioning guide outlines the steps necessary to get up and running on Public IM for OCS. This is some much needed documentation on the process that I always though involved a bit of luck and some black magic to get through successfully before. From the new provisioning page you can simply enter your volume licensing agreement number and follow a few quick and easy steps. I haven't heard how long it takes to get provisioned on the MSFT side but it has to be quicker than the old "fax and hope" process.
If anyone has tried the new process be sure to add some comments with your thoughts below!
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